Neymar’s FIFA World Cup hopes boosted by recovery progress

Brazilian forward Neymar has received a timely boost in his bid to be fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed he is making ‘good progress’ in his recovery from a calf injury.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer was initially expected to spend between two and three weeks on the sidelines after medical examinations last month revealed a grade-two muscle tear.

However, a follow-up scan conducted on Monday indicated that his rehabilitation is progressing as planned.

In a brief statement, the CBF said: "The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters."

The statement added: "He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team's medical staff."

The 34-year-old has missed Brazil's two World Cup warm-up fixtures, including a 6-2 victory over Panama last month and Saturday's 2-1 win against Egypt.

He is still uncertain about his fitness for Brazil's first group match against Morocco on 13 June, but the forward is under time pressure to get fit.

Returning to Santos in early 2025, Neymar has had a rocky road when it comes to injuries in recent years.

During the October 2023 Brazil squad against Uruguay, he sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, which later saw him come off the bench in more than one match with Al Hilal.

The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and is aiming to feature in his fourth World Cup after appearing in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.